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222 works across 1 institution
Antwerp's Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp holds 222 works by Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640) — the city's entire known holding of this artist in a single institution.
Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp
Rubens in Antwerp
Antwerp was Rubens's city. He built his house there — now the Rubenshuis museum, restored to something like its seventeenth-century state — established the most productive studio in Europe within it, and died there in 1640. The Cathedral of Our Lady holds the Descent from the Cross and the Elevation of the Cross, two triptychs painted for the city's guilds that remain in the positions they were made for. Seeing the Descent from the Cross in the cathedral rather than a gallery — the scale makes sense in that space, the placement is deliberate — is one of those experiences that cannot be replicated by reproduction.
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), recently reopened after a major renovation, holds a substantial permanent collection of his work alongside the broader Flemish tradition he both inherited and transformed. Antwerp is the place to understand Rubens as a city presence rather than a museum artefact.
Planning your visit
The Rubenshuis, the Cathedral of Our Lady, and the KMSKA are all within walking distance in the city centre. The Cathedral charges for entry to the Rubens works; arrive early as tour groups arrive mid-morning. The KMSKA is the least crowded of the three.
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
💎 Hidden GemAntwerp · 222 works on display
Christ on the Cross
c. 1600
Image rights reserved
Christ's first appearance to the apostles in Jerusalem
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
c. 1614
AntwerpWikidata
Christus wird zugunsten der Armen angerufen
Image rights reserved
+214 more
About the artist
Peter Paul Rubens
Flemish · Baroque / Flemish · 1577–1640
Rubens was the most celebrated painter of the Flemish Baroque, known for large-scale altarpieces, mythological scenes, and portraits of extraordinary energy. Based in Antwerp, he also served as a diplomat across Europe, and his workshop was the most productive of his era. His influence on Western painting was immense.
Key works
The Descent from the CrossThe Rape of the Daughters of LeucippusSelf-Portrait in a Circle of Friends
Frequently asked questions
How many Peter Paul Rubens paintings are on display in Antwerp?
Our current data shows 222 Peter Paul Rubens paintings on display in Antwerp, spread across the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp. Coverage is based on Wikidata records and may not reflect every work currently on display.
Which museum in Antwerp has the most Peter Paul Rubens paintings?
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp holds all 222 known Peter Paul Rubens works in Antwerp.
Where else can I see Peter Paul Rubens's paintings?
Peter Paul Rubens's paintings are distributed across museums in multiple countries. Our artist page lists every city in our collection where their work is currently on display — use it to plan a multi-city trip or find works closer to home. Browse all cities for Peter Paul Rubens →
Planning your visit to Antwerp
Antwerp's art institutions are spread across the city but connected by a superb tram network. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA), home to an outstanding Flemish collection, is a short tram ride from the centre. The Antwerp City Card covers museums and transport.
Artwork data sourced from Wikidata. Coverage varies — always confirm with the museum before visiting.